Red Cross Continues Assistance for Springs Fire

Posted May 04, 2013

CAMARILLO, May 4, 2013 —The American Red Cross serving Ventura County will be closing the following shelters at 4:00pm: Calvary Chapel Camarillo and Thousand Oaks Community Center. At this time, the Red Cross shelter at Malibu High School will remain open until further notice.

The Red Cross will continue to serve those impacted by the Spring Fire. Red Cross outreach teams will be in the affected areas on Sunday, May 5, meeting with families whose homes were damaged to ensure that their immediate disaster-caused needs have been met. As the recovery process begins, caseworkers will continue to be in close contact with these families, providing them with assistance, as well as helping link them to additional resources that may be available.

Over the past three days, the Red Cross has staffed three shelters, provided emotional support to the community and distributed meals and snacks to evacuees. The organization is in close contact with local authorities and remains ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

“We know this is a difficult time for many of our neighbors,” said Jim McGee, regional CEO for the American Red Cross serving Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. “While we continue to help those whose lives have been interrupted by these fires, we’re also encouraging all residents to be prepared for one in their area.”

Wildfire preparedness information, including how to react if one is reported nearby, is available at RedCross.org or by downloading the free Wildfire app for iPhone or Android devices.

If you are in need of Red Cross services, please contact the Red Cross Casework team at 805-504-5263. For information on Red Cross disaster relief efforts in other parts of California, please visit RedCross.org.

HOW TO HELP The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross to support our relief efforts for the Springs Fire and other disasters by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. At this time we do not need donations of in-kind products or spontaneous volunteers.

Media Contact - Giselle Gomez (805) 340-1651

About the American Red Cross Ventura County:

The American Red Cross of Ventura County is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that depends on the generous contributions of time and money from Ventura County residents and companies to provide services and programs that help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information on disaster preparedness, health and safety classes, volunteer opportunities, and financial contributions, visit our website at www.redcross.org/ventura or call us at 805-987-1514.